Chris Signs with Warwick

Posted: Jun 30, 2009
Chris Sammons, aka Chia, is the bass player in Hydrogyn, a Kentucky-based rock band signed to Demolition Records. Born in 1982, Chia listened to everything from southern rock to jazz while growing up. Specific influences include .38 Special, Foreigner, Les Claypool and Stu Hamm. He played tuba and sax in the high school band, but when band instructor Jeff Ware needed someone to play bass in jazz band and at pep rallies Chia changed gears. "After he handed me an old p style bass it was over for tuba and sax," says Chia. "I fell in love with it and have been going strong ever since." Though a lot of people influence Chia, including his parents, former teachers and the people who said he would never do anything with his music, his biggest influence is Hydrogyn guitarist Jeff Westlake. "Since I met Jeff Ive really been taking things more seriously and more professionally," he admits. "He pushes me everyday to be better at everything I do." Chia plays Warwick because of the "sound, playability and craftsmanship of everything they produce," he says. "Every Warwick bass Ive ever played sounded great and was a work of art."